News Summary
A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 47 years-to-life in prison for the murder of his friend, Eduardo Aguilar Alba, who was shot dead while sleeping. The crime occurred in Ramona, where the man also stole possessions from Alba’s apartment. Convicted of first-degree murder and other crimes, he is accused of displaying a high degree of callousness throughout. This case highlights the dangers of betrayal among friends and the severe consequences of violent actions.
San Diego – A 26-year-old man, Sean Joseph Hawksworth, was sentenced to 47 years-to-life in prison on September 23, 2025, for the murder of his friend, Eduardo Aguilar Alba, who was shot dead while sleeping. Hawksworth was convicted in May 2025 of first-degree murder, residential burglary, grand theft, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The crime took place on October 20, 2023, inside Alba’s apartment in Ramona. Hawksworth shot Alba in the head while he was asleep, then proceeded to dispose of the body by stuffing it into a trash can. Following the murder, Hawksworth did not only take Alba’s life but also stole several of his belongings, including a Camaro, clothing, and designer sneakers.
Authorities later found some of Alba’s stolen property in a storage unit leased by Hawksworth, which had been transferred into his brother’s name. In an unsettling twist, after committing the murder, Hawksworth returned to the crime scene multiple times, allegedly trying to cover up his involvement while continuing his drug-dealing activities.
Hawksworth was apprehended by law enforcement on November 3, 2023, at his home in Ramona. During the prosecution, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan pointed out the “high degree of callousness” displayed by Hawksworth throughout the crime and his subsequent attempts to mask his actions.
The judge presiding over the case, Patricia Cookson, highlighted the severity of Hawksworth’s conduct not only in committing murder but also in stealing the victim’s belongings. At the sentencing hearing, Hawksworth extended condolences to Alba’s family, calling him a friend and expressing remorse while claiming he never meant for the violent altercation to take place.
The case sheds light on a troubling incident involving betrayal and violence among friends, raising concerns about the dynamics of trust and safety in personal relationships.
Sean Joseph Hawksworth will be eligible for parole after serving 47 years of his sentence, but the weight of his actions has ensured him a long term behind bars in the state’s prison system.
With the conviction and sentencing now completed, this case serves as a grim reminder of the extreme consequences that can arise from violent crime and the lasting impact on victims and their families.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Man Who Shot Sleeping Friend Handed 47-Year Sentence
- Wikipedia: Murder
- Fox 5 San Diego: Oceanside Murder Suspect Still at Large
- Google Search: San Diego murder
- NBC San Diego: Ramona Murderer Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Violence Among Friends
- CBS News: Police Officers Kill Murder Suspect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sean Joseph Hawksworth
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
